Mumbai Indians experienced a season of trademark change in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025Eventually qualified for Qualifier 2 after a mixed start. They finished the league stage in fourth place with 8 wins and 6 losses from 14 matches, demonstrating their ability to gain momentum when it mattered most.
The team’s strength was their explosive batting unit, highlighted by Suryakumar Yadav win Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award with 717 runs, and hardik pandya Contribution of 224 runs and 14 wickets. Their bowling attack is led by experienced trent bolt (22 wickets) and always reliable Jasprit Bumrah (183 career wickets for MI), ensured regular successes, especially in the powerplay. However their title challenge ended in Qualifier 2 punjab kingsMI showcased its competitive spirit and the strength of its core, setting the stage for a minor recalibration rather than a complete rebuild ahead of the 2026 auction.
Mumbai Indians (MI) can retain 3 foreign players before the IPL 2026 auction
1. Trent Boult (fast bowler)
trent bolt An irreplaceable world-class asset who provides Mumbai Indians with vital attacking ability early in the powerplay. He was retained/acquired by MI at a high price (Rs 12.5 crore) ahead of IPL 2025, which shows how much they value his new-ball ability. His IPL 2025 performance was stellar, finishing as MI’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 16 matches, including a crucial four-wicket haul. Boult’s partnership with Jasprit Bumrah creates a nightmare for opposition batsmen, with his ability to swing the ball and take wickets becoming an essential part of MI’s bowling dominance.
Also read: IPL 2026: Will Rohit Sharma play for KKR? Mumbai Indians finally break silence on transfer rumors
2. Mitchell Santner (spin-bowling all-rounder)
michel santner He is a strategic retention for MI due to his dual value as an economical spinner and a useful lower-order batsman, providing vital balance to the team. Santner was signed by MI for IPL 2025 for Rs 2.0 crore. He delivered an extraordinary spell against Delhi Capitals, where he displayed his ability on turning pitches, taking three wickets for just 11 runs. He played 13 matches in IPL 2025, displaying smart bowling in the middle overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate and providing useful depth to the batting line-up. His flexibility and ability to contribute at multiple stages makes him a high-utility, cost-effective overseas all-rounder.
3. Will Jacques (Batting Allrounder)
will jacks Is a highly valued overseas all-rounder who offers a handy off-spin bowling option as well as explosive batting firepower in the top or middle order. MI reportedly spent Rs 5.25 crore to acquire him in the IPL 2025 auction. Jacques contributed 233 runs at a solid strike rate in 13 matches and took six wickets, bringing tactical flexibility to the playing eleven. Although not a top-tier performer in every game, his high ceiling as an aggressive hitter and reliable spinner is exactly the kind of player that MI keeps to maintain a deep bench of overseas multi-utility players who can step in when needed.
Also read: Mumbai Indians: 5 players whom MI can release before IPL 2026 auction

